Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Cairo on November 20-21, 2012. She met with regional leaders, including with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, to consult on the situation in Gaza.

Today, while in Cairo, Secretary Clinton and Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr announced an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza. Secretary Clinton said:

"...I want to thank President Morsi for his personal leadership to de-escalate the situation in Gaza and end the violence. This is a critical moment for the region. Egypt's new government is assuming the responsibility and leadership that has long made this country a cornerstone of regional stability and peace. The United States welcomes the agreement today for a ceasefire in Gaza. For it to hold, the rocket attacks must end, a broader calm return.

"The people of this region deserve the chance to live free from fear and violence, and today's agreement is a step in the right direction that we should build on. Now we have to focus on reaching a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security, dignity, and legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis alike. President Morsi and I discussed how the United States and Egypt can work together to support the next steps in that process. In the days ahead, the United States will work with partners across the region to consolidate this progress, improve conditions for the people of Gaza, and provide security for the people of Israel. Ultimately, every step must move us toward a comprehensive peace for all the people of the region.

"As I discussed today with President Morsi, as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas, there is no substitute for a just and lasting peace. Now that there is a ceasefire, I am looking forward to working with the Foreign Minister and others to move this process."

Comments

Comments

Alejandro B.

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Guatemala

November 21, 2012

Alejandro B. in Guatemala writes:

Justified violence is sometimes a necessary evil, but not of absolute necessity. A few people in both sides WANT violence, and turn it necessary. The intelligent ones in both sides must struggle for more influence and work for a way out of it.

Patrick

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Maryland, USA

November 21, 2012

Patrick in Maryland writes:

"The path to fulfill the aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis for two states living in peace and security". She continued to express U.S. concern for the loss of civilian life on both sides".

Maybe, they should sit-down and discuss things over dinner like families do.

Terri K.

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United States

November 22, 2012

Terri K. in the U.S.A. writes:

Yes there is a cease fire, but there is no freedom for Gaza. Please research more and STOP U.S. aid to Israel. If they didn't have U.S. in their back pocket, they would not be able to get away with this. this is not a "poor country getting bombs rained down on them" this is a genocidal maniac country! and we need to stop supporting that.

present44

November 22, 2012

W.W. writes:

thanksgiving truce - everybody got to get ready for the long weekend

thanks Mrs Clinton to bring peace to the world

IronDome : SOLD OUT

Ashim C.

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India

November 22, 2012

Ashim C. in India writes:

Ms. Clinton came to Cairo where Muslim Brotherhood is in power, negotiations were held and solutions found without millitary intervention . This is magic. Hope this goes on and happy times return to middle east and Israel and Palestine.